How exactly do you recommend the best work boots for men and women in the industry? Every deal has different characteristics and priorities, and everyone's feet are different. Add to that the thousands of options to choose from from a huge selection of quality brands with different designs and styles, and it's overwhelming.
This year, we saw several models return for the second or even third year in a row on our list. The Twisted X made its debut among our top recommendations, and we're starting to see a trend of upcycling and recycling in work boot materials.
Even with all these great options, we still left out a lot of great boots lest it turn into an encyclopedic review. So help us and your fellow readers! If you see a brand, series or model that you like that doesn't appear in our listings, please let us know in the comments below!
Keen Utility Cincinnati
As we said, it's impossible to tell you that there's always a best work boot for everyone. It doesn't exist. That's why we have to bring you the work boots that best suit the way we work. That means covering everything from concrete floors at trade shows to outdoor power equipment reviews and standard job sites. In other words, we needed a great all-around boot, and for the third year in a row, the Keen Utility Cincinnati is the boot we keep coming back to.
Its combination of comfort, soft or carbon safety toe options, solid construction, wedge design with aggressive tread, and even looks make it our top pick for the best work boot for men. It’s also our pick for the best work boots for women, thanks to a women’s-specific model.
- Wedge design with aggressive tread for hard surfaces or bare ground
- Moc toe and Wellington styles
- 6", 8", or mid-calf height
- Full Grain Leather Upper
- Keen Luftcell air-filled PU midsole
- Removable PolyAer dual density footbed
- Goodyear welt structure
- waterproof option
- Soft or left/right specific carbon fiber safety toe cap
- Men's and women's styles
- anti-oil and anti-skid
- EH class
- chemical resistance
Price: $190.00 – $225.00
Best Waterproof Work Boots
Wolverine I-90 DuraShocks Wedges
Obviously, the best waterproof boots have to be waterproof, and Wolverine's I-90 DuraShocks Wedge are stylish with premium water-resistant full-grain leather and a waterproof membrane with a moisture-wicking lining. From there, the I-90 gets even better with a DuraShocks sockliner and wedge outsole for improved comfort.
This model has a denser midsole than some of our other picks. While it doesn't make it easier, it does offer sturdier protection and better resistance to oils, chemicals, and heat.
- wedge design
- mork toe style
- 6 inches tall
- Full Grain Leather Upper
- Removable Durashocks dual-density insole
- Goodyear welt structure
- waterproof
- Soft or CarbonMax safety toe
- Men's styles only (I-90 EPX CarbonMax is available in women's styles)
- anti-oil and anti-skid
- EH class
View the entire I-90 collection, including other styles, here.
Price: $160.00 – $180.00
Why do waterproof boots get your feet wet?
Waterproof boots are great, but they have limitations. Waterproof lining, airtight stitching and other technologies prevent water from penetrating the material. However, if you are standing in water, the tongue area of a traditional boot is likely to be an area where water can enter.
If you're looking for the best way to keep water out of your work boots, consider the Wellington slip-on style to avoid the tongue. If you need the ultimate waterproof protection, pair it with dedicated water boots such as Grundens' Deck Boss.
Best Steel Toe Work Boots (Safety Toe)
Thorogood 1957 Series Safety Toe Cap
We love the look of classic boots and Thorogood's 1957 line and its safety toe model make it our best steel toe work boot. A heeled sole or wedge sole with a weatherproof welt on the upper and a moc toe finish the design. A comfortable and durable waterproof steel toe boot with a versatile style. Plus, it's made in the USA using global materials.
- High heel or wedge heel design
- mork toe style
- 6" or 8" tall
- Full Grain Leather Upper
- Removable ultimate shock-absorbing memory foam insole
- Goodyear Storm Welt Structure
- X-Stream waterproof
- Steel tip (soft tip also available)
- Men's styles only
- Anti-slip and wear-resistant
- EH class
Price: $249.99
Best Non-Metallic Safety Toe Work Boots
Red Wing King Toe 8" Waterproof CSA Safety Toe (Model 3512)
The King Toe Collection is designed to give your toes extra wiggle room – 44% more than Red Wing's standard boots. The King Toe 3512 from Red Wing has it all: EH-rated, puncture-resistant, non-metallic safety toe, and a water-resistant design. It's also CSA approved if you happen to be north of the border. It can also handle the heat with an HRO sole rated to 475°.
- high heel design
- traditional style
- 8 inches tall
- Full Grain Leather Upper
- Swen-Flex puncture-resistant insole
- direct connection structure
- waterproof
- Non-metallic safety toe cap
- Men's styles only (see King Toe 2340 women's styles)
- anti-oil and anti-skid
- EH class
- CSA certification
Price: $269.99
Best Slip On Work Boots (Slip On/Wellington)
Twisted X Tech X-Series
The Twisted X makes our list for the first time thanks to its Tech X line. Available in 22 designs, available in both men's and women's styles, these styles are the best pull-on work boots we've found, and are perfect for farming, farm, and ranch environments.
They use a variety of eco-friendly materials, such as blended rice husks in the outsole, EcoTweed liners made from recycled bottles, and Blend85 insoles that use 85% recycled foam. That's all well and good, but it's the comfort that seals the deal. In what Twisted X calls CellStretch Comfort Technology, more than 100 pressure points are activated with each stride to improve comfort over other slip-on work boot styles.
- high heel design
- western wellington style
- 11 and 12 inch heights
- Full Grain Leather Upper
- Blend85 footbed is made with 85% recycled foam
- EcoTweed liner made from recycled bottles
- Molded rubber outsole with mixed rice husk
- Double seamed welt construction
- soft toes only
- Men's and Women's Styles
- anti-oil and anti-skid
- EH class
Price: $204.95 – $269.95
Best Lightweight Work Boots
Red Wing EcoLite
Red Wing's EcoLite won us over as the best lightweight work boot, and its name says it all. The EcoLite is an environmentally friendly lightweight work boot/shoe. The upper is made from 50% recycled bottles, the midsole is made from sugar cane and the outsole is made from 30% recycled rubber.
All in a lightweight package, including an aluminum safety toe cap, designed specifically to meet the needs of those working in warehouse, delivery, manufacturing and service environments.
- wedge design
- wayfarer or oxford style
- 4 inches or lower
- Upper is made from 50% recycled bottles
- midsole made from sugar cane
- ReSurge Vibram outsole made from 30% recycled rubber
- concrete building
- Aluminum safety toe cap
- men only
- anti-oil and anti-skid
- EH class
Price: $184.99 – $234.99
Most Comfortable Work Boots
Keen Utility Cincinnati
Finding the most comfortable work boots starts with getting the fit right. It has to fit, or other comfort features and design features are lost.
The most comfortable work boot we've worn on our feet is the Keen Utility Cincinnati. It combines a wedge sole with an air-filled polyurethane (KEEN Luftcell) midsole for extra comfort even if you're a big guy. I'm in my 200's and this is my boot of choice for shows like World of Concrete where we spend longer than usual on asphalt and concrete.
From 2023, men's will now be available in dark brown.
- Wedge design with aggressive tread for hard surfaces or bare ground
- Moc toe and Wellington styles
- 6", 8", or mid-calf height
- Full Grain Leather Upper
- Keen Luftcell air-filled PU midsole
- Removable PolyAer dual-density insole
- Goodyear welt structure
- waterproof option
- Soft or left/right specific carbon fiber safety toe cap
- Men's and women's styles
- anti-oil and anti-skid
- EH class
- chemical resistance
Price: $190.00 – $225.00
Best Handmade Work Boots
Nick's Handmade Work Boots
If you're looking for boots that will last you 3, 5, or even 10 or more years, look no further than high-quality, handcrafted boots. They're not cheap, but they outlast most off-the-shelf boots and are repairable.
We had a great experience with Nick's Handmade Boots in Spokane, WA. While they're not fully custom, there are so many options, it feels like they are, and the construction is excellent. Whether you're looking for wedges, loggers, or something in between, Nick's has you covered.
Just keep in mind that it takes a few weeks for a boot like this to break in properly. Once broken in, you have a completely different work boot experience.
Price: From $520.00
Best Budget Work Boots
Work Boots That Bear the Brunt
If your work boot budget is closer to $150 than $500, check out what Brunt Workwear has to offer. While the selection isn't as extensive as most of the other brands we recommend, we're impressed with the quality of materials and construction for the price.
Brunt's secret is to cut out the middle man. They're a direct-to-consumer business, so you don't have to pay the retailer markups that typically exist with other brands. When shopping, be sure to check out work clothes. The Coady hoodie and Torra pants are our favorites.
Best Insoles for Work Boots
Dr. Skoll's
Sometimes the insoles in our boots just won't cut for some reason. Usually, this is a preference, but the shape, arch, or other characteristics of your foot can create more painful chronic problems. If this is a problem for you, your best work boot insoles will be an orthotic from a podiatrist you work closely with.
If it's more of a preference, we recommend starting with Dr. Scholl's as it's the best insole for work boots. They're readily available over the counter at tons of retailers, and they offer everything from extra support and odor protection to insoles for heel pain and plantar fasciitis. They're also not terribly expensive, so you can afford to try them out to see if they work for you before trying more expensive brands.
Price: $4.99 – $44.99 (most under $15.00)
Best Work Boot Brands: Readers' Choice Poll
We asked which brand is your favorite on our social media channels. Two brands are clearly ahead of the rest: Keen Utility and Red Wing. For those who say so, comfort is a constant theme in Keen boots. On the other hand, it's the durability and quality of the Red Wing, which includes a review from someone who has worn Red Wing boots for 43 years!
Of course, there are plenty of other brands in the conversation, including some we haven't heard of yet, as well as some European brands that aren't available in the US. Check out the posts on Facebook and Instagram for yourself, and be sure to cast your vote in the comments!
Best work boots: More recommendations from brands we trust
While we've covered all the categories, there are a few more brands and boots we want to tell you about. Check out more of our recommendations below!
Best Ariat Work Boots: Ariat Workhog Collection
Ariat's Workhog collection is extensive, and if you're looking for a pull-on work boot, you're sure to find a style you like (there's even some lace-up styles). Importantly, they're Western-style work boots, so you get the beefy tread and stability you need for just about any job site.
Some options you'll find include:
- water proof
- Soft, carbon, composite or steel toe cap
- round or square
- BOA protection
- Slip on, tie or side zip
- Men's or Kids' Size
Need some help narrowing it down? Our favorite is the WorkHog wide square toe VentTek style.
Price: $194.95 – $294.95 ($25.00 – $109.95 for kids)
Best Danner Work Boots: Danner Quarry, USA
Danner's Quarry range is our top pick, and we're not alone, as it's Danner's most popular product and has been on the market for over 10 years. They're waterproof from breathable Gore-Tex fabric and stand 8 inches tall. The design has undergone a few updates since its original introduction, moving to a more durable midsole while maintaining excellent comfort with no break-in time.
The line includes a variety of options:
- high heels or wedge soles
- Soft, alloy or composite safety toe cap
- insulation
- met the guard
- Available in light brown, dark brown or black
Additionally, the quarry was built in Portland, Oregon, using globally sourced parts and materials.
Price: $310.00 – $330.00
Best Georgia Work Boots: Georgia Amp LT Edge
Georgia Boot's AMP LT Edge collection is available in three basic styles: standard, moc toe and Wellington. Standard styles are available with soft toe or aluminum safety toe. Overall, these are some of the more attractive styles of boots we've seen, even though they only come in one color (medium brown).
The entire collection is EH-rated for water resistance, and an EVA midsole and AMP LT sockliner enhance comfort. A fiberglass shank and heel lock help keep your foot stable on almost any job site surface.
If you like the idea of the AMP LT Edge but prefer a wedge, Georgia Boot offers the AMP LT with that outsole, and includes some women's options. The AMP LT Edge boot is currently only available in men's styles.
Price: $193.00 – $223.00
Best Irish Setter Work Boots: Irish Setter Kittson
The Irish Setter is a solid option for those on a work boot budget under $200, and the Kittson is our top pick this year. It has a classic yet flattering style and is styled with a soft toe or safety toe heel. While not as vast a selection as some of our other recommendations, Irish Setter does offer both men's and women's Kittsons.
Price: $154.99 – $164.99
Best Kodiak Work Boots: Kodiak McKinney
Kodiak isn't as well-known as some names in the work boot industry, but they know what it takes to work in cold weather. The McKinney is a classic style, handsome design and is available in a variety of height/style designs. All but one design is below the $200 mark, and they won't break the bank. Here are more details about the options:
- Slip on, 8", 6", and Chelsea styles
- Soft toe or composite toe
- Some models are waterproof
- Insulated or Unlined
- MUT (Multi-Use Toe) Cap
Price: $159.99 – $219.99
Best Tecovas Work Boots: Tecovas Midland
Tecovas is a relatively new western brand, started in 2015 and we have been very impressed with the quality of the boots and overalls we use. Many of their handmade boots feature classic denim designs and smooth outsoles, but they also have a few patterned models that make great construction site work boots.
Our favorite is Midland. It looks great with its oiled cowhide upper and wide square toe. The Vibram outsole features a robust tread pattern that will give you traction no matter what surface you work on throughout the day.
Price: $255.00
Best Wolverine Work Boots: Wolverine 1000 Mile Series
We can't have the best work boots article without ignoring the 1000 mile series. As part of Wolverine's premium boot range, these are some of the best boots the brand has ever produced and one of the best looking boots we recommend. However, they don't have any safety toe options, so they're mostly for your team members who spend most of their time in the office or boardroom rather than on the job site. Some models, though, have aggressive tread patterns that are perfect for spotting.
Keep your eyes open—the Wolverine offers limited special edition models from time to time.
Price: $385.00 – $450.00
Work Boots Buying Guide | What We Look For
fit
Never buy work boots that don't fit properly. This can cause a lot of discomfort and potential injury to your feet in the long run.
When you put your foot in, make sure to get your heel back into the shoe as far as possible. Once there, find a size that will give you a little extra room—about the width of your thumb. If you do this, you'll have room to deal with the swollen feet that everyone experiences throughout the day. It can be difficult to check the size of a steel toe boot, so if you're buying it at a store, try a soft toe to determine your size.
Then there's width. Well-fitting boots should fit snugly against the sides of your feet, but should not pinch them. You're looking for stability, not discomfort. The reverse is also true – you don't want the width to be too large. Too much room will allow your foot to slide side to side, making your footing unstable.
Another big piece of the fit puzzle is the heel. When you try on your boots, check to make sure your heel is locked and stable. You don't want it to slide around.
Safety Precautions
Safety Toes create a protective barrier around the toes if something heavy is placed on them or if they are slammed from the front.
Consult your safety manager to determine if you need safety toe caps for the job and which styles are acceptable. If you need them, carbon fiber toes are the lightest option, followed by composites and aluminum. Still, steel is king in many workplaces, so don't be surprised if that's your only option.
It's up to you to decide if safety toe boots are not required in your workplace. When we choose, we prefer soft toe or carbon fiber safety toe.
Your workplace may require other security features as well. Please consult your manager to see if you need:
- Metatarsal guard (Metguard)
- Electrical Hazard (EH)
- Puncture resistance
- heat resistance
- chemical resistance
- anti-oil and anti-skid
comfortable
Boot comfort will vary with the shape of your foot. In general, your foot should feel secure without putting any undue pressure on certain parts of the foot. You can loosen the laces anytime during the day (that's why we love the BOA system), but there's not much you can do about the rest of the boot.
The midsole contributes a lot to the overall comfort of the boot. One of the reasons you see some contractors wearing sneakers on the job site is that the EVA foam in them is very soft and much more comfortable than boots. At least until recently.
The new midsole is air-infused and less dense, providing more cushioning than most midsoles. As with sneakers, midsoles wear out faster than denser designs, so you may find that your most comfortable work boots don't have as long a lifespan.
The last major point of discussion is the insole. Most brands put some type of polyurethane insole in their boots to help with cushioning. Remember, they are replaceable. If you want more cushioning, arch support, or just a different feel, you can always pick up another insole and swap them out.
only
Boots typically come in one of two sole styles: high heels or wedges.
High heel boots are the most traditional style, and almost every brand has more styles to choose from. They tend to have an aggressive tread that provides excellent traction on bare ground. They are suitable for almost any workplace, but are usually not as comfortable as wedges on hard surfaces.
Wedges tend to be more comfortable because they spread your weight over a larger surface, which reduces foot and leg fatigue. The trade-off is that they often have a very shallow tread, making them unsuitable for working on bare-ground jobsites. They work best on asphalt, concrete, steel and other hard surfaces.
Lately, we've started seeing hybrid boots that combine a wedge design with a moderately aggressive tread for the best of both worlds. As a big man, it's my preferred all-around work style.
put up
Materials are important, but the way they fit together can tell you a lot about the lifespan of your boots. Buildings fall into three main types, and we see a fourth from time to time.
The cement construction is what holds the upper, midsole and outsole together. It is the weakest connection type, but tends to be lighter, more flexible, and less expensive than other construction types.
Strobel construction occasionally occurs, more commonly in athletic shoes. With this form, the upper is sewn onto the fabric, creating a sock-like look. From there, the midsole and outsole are glued on.
Direct injection is a process in which molten material (usually polyurethane work boots) is injected into the sole of a shoe, and the upper is immediately pressed against it to bond it. This makes the boot lightweight, flexible, and generally stronger than cement, without costing as much as welts.
Goodyear welts have been around for a long time and are still considered the strongest way to hold a shoe together, with the upper, midsole and outsole all stitched together with thick, strong thread. These boots tend to be heavier and take longer to break in, but are more durable.
Other Features to Consider
- Slip-on, lace-up or BOA system
- low, medium or high length
- waterproof or not
- Antimicrobial/anti-odor treatment
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